Stories of Starters Podcast

Today's episode is all about our need for rest, as well as a special opportunity to get a little bit. If you've been enjoying the podcast, consider telling a fellow entrepreneur or business leader about it. I appreciate you and would love to know any future topics you'd like me to cover or how I can help you and your business. Email me at shawn@shawnwashburn.com

Asking questions is one key tool that costs nothing (unless you don't ask) and can cut through a lot of issues and fill in gaps in your business. Create a culture where you can encourage people to ask more and better questions to collaborate together. If you've been enjoying the podcast, consider telling a fellow entrepreneur or business leader about it. I appreciate you and would love to know any future topics you'd like me to cover or how I can help you and your business. Email me at shawn@shawnwashburn.com

Today's topic is one of the backbones of Engineering Your Business - your people. They are your foundation and the real reason you do what you do. If you've been enjoying the podcast, consider telling a fellow entrepreneur or business leader about it. I appreciate you and would love to know any future topics you'd like me to cover or how I can help you and your business. Email me at shawn@shawnwashburn.com

Gary Keller: "What's the ONE THING you can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?" Today we look at this concept and how it can have a huge impact on you and your team. If you've been enjoying the podcast, consider telling a fellow entrepreneur or business leader about it. I appreciate you and would love to know any future topics you'd like me to cover or how I can help you and your business. Email me at shawn@shawnwashburn.com

Our names our valuable. Using someone's name let's them know that they matter, that you see them. Today, we dig into the power of names and how to make a big difference in your interactions with your team members. If you've been enjoying the podcast, consider telling a fellow entrepreneur or business leader about it. I appreciate you and would love to know any future topics you'd like me to cover or how I can help you and your business. Email me at shawn@shawnwashburn.com

Meetings have fallen on hard times these days. Granted, they usually aren't necessary and can be replaced by a call, email or in-person conversation. But sometimes there is no substitute for a meeting. The question is how do we do meetings well, value the time of those involved and come away with the needed results at the end. Today, we dive into all of that and more. If you've been enjoying the podcast, consider telling a fellow entrepreneur or business leader about it. I appreciate you and would love to know any future topics you'd like me to cover or how I can help you and your business. Email me at shawn@shawnwashburn.com

One of the best ways to grow ourselves and our organizations is by being lifelong learners. We dig into L is for Learn today and the impact it can make for us and those we work with. If you've been enjoying the podcast, consider telling a fellow entrepreneur or business leader about it. I appreciate you and would love to know any future topics you'd like me to cover or how I can help you and your business. Email me at shawn@shawnwashburn.com

Kanban is a really cool concept in the Lean Manufacturing world that has crept its way into project management systems as well and can help your organization become more visible and stay ahead of issues. If you've been enjoying the podcast, consider telling a fellow entrepreneur or business leader about it. I appreciate you and would love to know any future topics you'd like me to cover or how I can help you and your business. Email me at shawn@shawnwashburn.com

Today is Volume 1 of Odes to the Office, a compilation of each of these that I've created to far. Enjoy the following Odes: Ode to the Sticky Note Ode to the Coffee Brewer Ode to the Zoom Meeting Ode to White Out Ode to Undo Ode to Change Ode to Automation

Some words have a way of limiting people and not letting them reach their full potential. JUST happens to be one of the kings in this realm. Today, we talk about how we often use just in wrong ways and how to try to counteract that and help our people and businesses thrive. If you've been enjoying the podcast, consider telling a fellow entrepreneur or business leader about it. I appreciate you and would love to know any future topics you'd like me to cover or how I can help you and your business. Email me at shawn@shawnwashburn.com

What does innovation look like in your world? Where have you seen innovation done well or not so well? Let me know by shooting me an email at shawn@shawnwashburn.com   If you've been enjoying the podcast, consider telling a fellow entrepreneur or business leader about it. I appreciate you and would love to know any future topics you'd like me to cover or how I can help you and your business. Email me at shawn@shawnwashburn.com

There are a lot of hard things that we have to do in life. But asking for help might be one of the hardest. How can you create a culture where you can make it the norm to ask for and give help? Check out today's episode for more. If you've been enjoying the podcast and haven't left an Apple Podcasts or iTunes review, I'd love it you'd take a minute to do that. You can head to shawnwashburn.com/apple to take you right there. Thanks for spending some time today to help you and your business thrive.

What in the world is a Gemba. We talk about what it is and why you need to learn to "Go to the Gemba" in your business. If you've been enjoying the podcast and haven't left an Apple Podcasts or iTunes review, I'd love it you'd take a minute to do that. You can head to shawnwashburn.com/apple to take you right there. Thanks for spending some time today to help you and your business thrive.

Work can be fun. It's OK. Actually, not just OK, but it can help your people more fulfillment while actually making your business more productive as well. If you've been enjoying the podcast and haven't left an Apple Podcasts or iTunes review, I'd love it you'd take a minute to do that. You can head to shawnwashburn.com/apple to take you right there. Thanks for spending some time today to help you and your business thrive.

Today get to talk about one of my other top favorite topics: Encouragement. Encouragement has so much power and potential that we usually don't even realize or comprehend. If you've been enjoying the podcast and haven't left an Apple Podcasts or iTunes review, I'd love it you'd take a minute to do that. You can head to shawnwashburn.com/apple to take you right there. Thanks for spending some time today to help you and your business thrive.

As we continue our ABCs series today we look at Decisions and decision fatigue. How it can be impacting your people and your business and how you can take steps to counteract it. If you've been enjoying the podcast and haven't left an Apple Podcasts or iTunes review, I'd love it you'd take a minute to do that. You can head to shawnwashburn.com/apple to take you right there. Thanks for spending some time today to help you and your business thrive.

On this Freedom Monday, I wanted to take a few minutes to appreciate the freedoms we have here in the U.S. and those who have sacrificed to give them to us. We'll jump back into our ABC's series tomorrow If you've been enjoying the podcast and haven't left an Apple Podcasts or iTunes review, I'd love it you'd take a minute to do that. You can head to shawnwashburn.com/apple to take you right there. Thanks for spending some time today to help you and your business thrive.

Taking a break from our ABCs of EYB today to do an Ode to Automation. Automation is a popular thing, especially in manufacturing. It can be great, but it can also bring headaches. Here's to both of those. If you've been enjoying the podcast and haven't left an Apple Podcasts or iTunes review, I'd love it you'd take a minute to do that. You can head to shawnwashburn.com/apple to take you right there. Thanks for spending some time today to help you and your business thrive.

Today we continue our ABCs series as we look at one of my favorites. It's a skills set or trait that I think is so simple and yet so important in the workplace (and world actually): Curiosity. If you've been enjoying the podcast and haven't left an Apple Podcasts or iTunes review, I'd love it you'd take a minute to do that. You can head to shawnwashburn.com/apple to take you right there. Thanks for spending some time today to help you and your business thrive.

Today we continue our ABCs series as we shift our focus to the power of establishing a culture that values Better. When you can make incremental changes each day in various aspects of your business, you can begin to gain momentum. If you've been enjoying the podcast and haven't left an Apple Podcasts or iTunes review, I'd love it you'd take a minute to do that. You can head to shawnwashburn.com/apple to take you right there. Thanks for spending some time today to help you and your business thrive.

Today we kick off our first episode of the ABC's of Engineering Your Business. And this one often gets overlooked but it's a biggie. Giving your people the access they need to the resources they need. Take a listen and let me know your thoughts at shawn@shawnwashburn.com If you've been enjoying the podcast and haven't left an Apple Podcasts or iTunes review, I'd love it you'd take a minute to do that. You can head to shawnwashburn.com/apple to take you right there. Thanks for spending some time today to help you and your business thrive.

Today, I'm introducing a new series that we'll be starting tomorrow, ABCs of Engineering Your Business. We'll pull a different word each day as we work through the alphabet, touching on some of the major People and Process themes as well as some new ones as well. And we'll still throw in a few Odes to The Office in the midst of it. Hope you'll join us for this great new series. If you haven't left a review on Apple Podcasts, it would mean a ton. You can head to shawnwashburn.com/apple and take a few minutes to make a big difference!

Work isn't just about work. The connections you have there you have for a reason. Everyone you interact with is carrying a burden. You may not know what or why, but you there are ways you can be there for them. We talk about all of this on today's episode Thanks for listening to today's episode. If you've been enjoying these one of the best thing you can do is tell a fellow entrepreneur or business leader. You spreading the word helps me help more people. Thanks so much.

Often I've seen two people have slightly (or widely different) ideas of what a goal was supposed to be. When this happens, regardless of the outcome, one person won't be happy. We talk about this and a goal I had recently on today's podcast. Thanks for listening to today's episode. If you've been enjoying these one of the best thing you can do is tell a fellow entrepreneur or business leader. You spreading the word helps me help more people. Thanks so much.

Most new ideas, plans, designs and initiatives die a quick death when they meet resistance or crickets from the group. But often, the most beautiful things lie on the other side if we're willing to stick to what we believe and push through. Thanks for listening to today's episode. If you've been enjoying these one of the best thing you can do is tell a fellow entrepreneur or business leader. You spreading the word helps me help more people. Thanks so much.

On today's episode, we're taking a look of how miscommunication can slowly eat away at your business and what you can do about it. Thanks for listening to today's episode. If you've been enjoying these one of the best thing you can do is tell a fellow entrepreneur or business leader. You spreading the word helps me help more people. Thanks so much.

On today's episode, we're discussing how taking action can not only give you momentum but help your problem solving and process efforts. And it all started with a zip line... Thanks for listening to today's episode. If you've been enjoying these one of the best thing you can do is tell a fellow entrepreneur or business leader. You spreading the word helps me help more people. Thanks so much.

Today we feature another Ode to The Office with Ode to Change. This one focuses on more than just the office and is a bit on the more serious side. We all experience change and we can either resist it or grow from it. Here is Ode To Change: Ode to Change   You come to us all as we walk through each day There's no one outside of your reach You tell us to move when we'd rather stay For there's something that you're trying to teach   Familiar is good and it's peaceful and calm We could stay here forever, we feel But you nudge us and prod us and move us along As a new path is slowly revealed   The footing is rocky, not firm like we'd like As we take steps into the unknown Our vision is dim like a wet foggy hike But we follow the path that we're shown   Some change can be painful, with loss by its side There's an ache and a longing that's there And though things may look great to those on the outside On the inside a heart is laid bare.   Sometimes we're stuck between life that is stable And a landscape that's different and new But each time  we change we learn that we are able To grow and to boldly walk through   So thank you, our friend, for refining and molding Our lives as you stretch us once more We may not have asked for the plans that you're holding But there's so much that you have in store. Take a listen and then shoot me your thoughts on Instagram at @shawnwashburn7 or via email at shawn@shawn.washburn.com

Today we discuss the key to staying focused and being able to crank through your important tasks. Take a listen and then shoot me your thoughts on InstagramInstagram at @shawnwashburn7 or via email at shawn@shawn.washburn.com

Today we discuss the importance of details and how missing one small detail can cause confusion, strained relationships, quality issues, miscommunication and more. Oh, and we also talk about what happens when cars get really old Check it out. Then reach out to me on Instagram at @shawnwashburn7 and shoot me a message to let me know what you thought!

Today I'm excited to share some great insight from my friend and special guest Andy Storch. He is the author of the book "Own Your Career, Own Your Life" Andy answers the questions: " How can business leaders help their people take control of their career and is there a fear that they might lose them in the process?" Really great insights from Andy about both of these. Find out more about Andy, his book, his podcast and more at andystorch.com Then reach out to me on Instagram at @shawnwashburn7 and shoot me a message to let me know what you thought!

Today we talk about how a game called Bananagrams can be a fun way to help your team exercise their problem-solving muscles. Check it out. Then reach out to me on Instagram at @shawnwashburn7 and shoot me a message to let me know what you thought!

Lions, Otters, Beavers, and Goldern Retrievers. 4 personality types and each is needed in your workplace. Today we're talking about they all can work together well to optimize your business Thanks for listening to today's episode. I'd love hear from you about today's topic or just in general. You can shoot me an email at shawn@shawnwashburn.com or head to shawnwashburn.com/contact and you'll find links to connect with me on social media as well.

Lions, Otters, Beavers, and Goldern Retrievers. 4 personality types and each is needed in your workplace. Today we're talking about the value of the Retrievers in your organization Thanks for listening to today's episode. I'd love hear from you about today's topic or just in general. You can shoot me an email at shawn@shawnwashburn.com or head to shawnwashburn.com/contact and you'll find links to connect with me on social media as well.

Lions, Otters, Beavers, and Goldern Retrievers. 4 personality types and each is needed in your workplace. Today we're talking about the value of the Beavers in your organization Thanks for listening to today's episode. I'd love hear from you about today's topic or just in general. You can shoot me an email at shawn@shawnwashburn.com or head to shawnwashburn.com/contact and you'll find links to connect with me on social media as well.

Lions, Otters, Beavers, and Goldern Retrievers. 4 personality types and each is needed in your workplace. Today we're talking about the value of the Otters in your organization Thanks for listening to today's episode. I'd love hear from you about today's topic or just in general. You can shoot me an email at shawn@shawnwashburn.com or head to shawnwashburn.com/contact and you'll find links to connect with me on social media as well.

Lions, Otters, Beavers, and Goldern Retrievers. 4 personality types and each is needed in your workplace. Today we're talking about the value of the lions in your organization Thanks for listening to today's episode. I'd love hear from you about today's topic or just in general. You can shoot me an email at shawn@shawnwashburn.com or head to shawnwashburn.com/contact and you'll find links to connect with me on social media as well.

Let me tell you today about my constant companion for the last 30 years, and why you should aim to make something that lasts Thanks for listening to today's episode. Connect with me on Instagram @shawnwashburn7

You never know what can happen when you invite your team to think on their own, explore new ideas, try something new. Today, I share an example that just happened recently. Thanks for listening to today's episode. Connect with me on Instagram @shawnwashburn7

We always hear about open door policies. Your door may be open, but are your ears? Today we talk about the power of truly being approachable and how it can transform your organization. Thanks for listening to today's episode. Connect with me on Instagram @shawnwashburn7

A lesson from my kitchen today that has implications in your business. Check it out. Thanks for listening to today's episode. Connect with me on Instagram @shawnwashburn7

What do podcast editing and visual communication in business have in common? Check out today's episode to find out... Thanks for listening to today's episode. I'd love hear from you about today's topic or just in general. You can shoot me an email at shawn@shawnwashburn.com or head to shawnwashburn.com/contact and you'll find links to connect with me on social media as well.

On today's Fun Friday episode, we continue our Ode to the Office series with a shout out to old faithful, Undo   Ode to Undo I'm not sure what we did before you came into our lives It's hard to think of how the world was then Unable to recover losses even though we tried We were lost and helpless, time and time again   But with one click of a button you erased away our fears Or better put, you brought back what we lost Deleted files or words or phrases, no longer brought us tears You saved the day, no matter what it cost   So thank you undo button, you have been there through it all Picking through the trash of our mistakes And even though you cannot save us from a REPLY ALL At least you give us hope for second takes   Thanks for listening to today's episode. If you've got an idea for a future Ode to the Office episode, shoot me an email at shawn@shawnwashburn.com.   I'd love to connect: website / LinkedIn / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

Today is a special day as the podcast hits it's 50th episode. I take some time to share some thoughts, offer some thanks and look ahead to what's coming next. Join me. Thanks for listening to today's episode. I'd love hear from you about today's topic or just in general. You can shoot me an email at shawn@shawnwashburn.com or head to shawnwashburn.com/contact and you'll find links to connect with me on social media as well.

The playground is not only a great place for kids to burn off some energy and connect. It's also a great place to learn life skills. Today, we talk about problem solving at the playground and how that can transfer into the workplace (no slides required... unless you want them). Thanks for listening to today's episode. I'd love hear from you about today's topic or just in general. You can shoot me an email at shawn@shawnwashburn.com or head to shawnwashburn.com/contact and you'll find links to connect with me on social media as well.

Most business leaders would agree that having the right mindset is important. But what does that actually mean and do we really know just how critical it is? I reached out to my good friend DJ Eidson, COO and co-founder of Limitless Minds (www.thinkbig-gofar.com), to ask him why mindset is so important and how we can foster the right one. DJ and his team work with all kinds of businesses to help them learn more about mindset and make changes in their team that set them on a trajectory for success. Thanks for listening to today's episode. I'd love hear from you about today's topic or just in general. You can shoot me an email at shawn@shawnwashburn.com 

Today, some real talk about what you do when you're struggling. I share some behind-the-scenes about the podcast as well as some honest thoughts about some struggles. When you're struggling, what helps you get unstuck or get through rough patches? Thanks for listening to today's episode. I'd love hear from you about today's topic or just in general. You can shoot me an email at shawn@shawnwashburn.com or head to shawnwashburn.com/contact and you'll find links to connect with me on social media as well.

My daughter and I tried to do a puzzle without the picture on the front. Find out how it went on this episode. Today, we talk about how we might be asking people to put puzzles together without clearly giving them the big picture to guide them. Thanks for listening to today's episode. It would help a ton if you'd be willing to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts I'd love to connect: website / LinkedIn / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

When I started one of my jobs, my boss told me that he wanted me to be a disruptor, to ask questions, be curious, step on toes if I needed to to help us grow as a company. Today, we talk about the value of those words and how you can empower your people to either be disruptors or yes men and women. Thanks for listening to today's episode. It would help a ton if you'd be willing to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts I'd love to connect: website / LinkedIn / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

Do you have an idea processing system? How do you keep them from slipping through your fingers and get them into motion? Today, we'll look at some tools and techniques I use. I'd love to hear yours as well. Thanks for listening to today's episode. You can shoot me an email at shawn@shawnwashburn.com. I'd love to connect: website / LinkedIn / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

Today is a special day. It's my birthday. I guess it fits since life is a process and full of relationships with people. Either way, I wanted to take a few minutes to just share some thoughts on this day. 48 thoughts to be exact. One for every year of life. Enjoy. Thanks for listening to today's episode. You can shoot me an email at shawn@shawnwashburn.com. I'd love to connect: website / LinkedIn / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter